As a whole, Americans love their pets. Pet ownership in the United States has grown in recent years. In just a few short decades, the number of pet owners rose from 67 million households with pets in the 1970s to the more than 164 million households with pets today. In 2012, Americans spent an astonishing $50 billion on their pets. A good two-thirds of pet owners actually gave a present to their pets last year. Needless to say, with more than 83 million dogs and 96 million cats in the U.S., veterinarians certainly have their hands full (in more ways than one).

Veterinary care is a huge industry in the U.S. and like all industries, it is striving to keep up with the times. With video streaming and mobile app technology so prevalent, some vets use “video diagnosis” to treat their furry, scaled, or other slimy patients. Vets can now examine and treat pets without having to psychically meet them. Using a webcam, which is pretty standard nowadays on computers and mobile devices, vets can see the pet and give the pet’s owner simple instructions to help them with their diagnosis. Online veterinary services aren’t outlandish. On the contrary, they are starting to become commonplace!

Vets recommend that pet owners take their pets for a checkup at least once a year for younger pets (generally, ages 1-7) and twice a year for older pets. Before veterinarian video apps, arranging an appointment with a vet was a hassle. Today, all a pet owner needs is a computer or smartphone to get excellent veterinary advice. No need to go to the vet office anymore. Virtual veterinarian services makes treating your pets efficient and easy.

What do you think about online veterinary care? Do you or anyone you know use online vet services? Feel free to share your thoughts or questions at the bottom.